Bread and butter #371 (27th May 2010- Staff Day!)

Our new corporate tee... hunks will look hunky in it...

while girls will look pretty in it...

The next day, woke up super early to go Tanah Merah to wait for our bus... then ferry.

KW being very sharp...

KF's wackiness is contagious...

Lawrence, LW and Daisy.

SM and da jie da.

The 9th Princess???

KF my best model.

My favourite girl from Yishun too.

Everyone's so curious about the plan of the day.

I like Angeline. She's very real. =)

Finally we reached...!

Lawrence smiling for the camera. The knowledgeable men...

Our three important men.

SM smiling for the camera!

Waiting for instructions.

Balloons time!

SM is smiling away as he played with the balloons, hahaha! And our Fadhli is jumping around happily.. Spot them!

YM and XY smiling. BT? Hiding away?

Instructions in Malay by NF.

Animal groupings- Cows, Monkeys, Chicks, and Cats.

I can't decide which of the next two photos do I prefer...!

BT challenging da jie da.

Enemies became friends...

because the pigs danced for them.

Dancing time! Indian dance...

Hip-hop?!

This photo is not taken by me... Hahahaha.

Wonder what TW is trying to do.

Hosting with a smile.

Long service awards go to...

Our spy, JW!

My neighbour, TW!

My Cactus comrade, SA!

And my senior, SM!

Long Service Award (5 years) for SM. So proud of him! =)

End of Staff Day. We said goodbye to the rest and started exploring the rest of the resort ourselves. Had a blood donation drive for the hungry mosquitoes too.

Then, we saw two swings and starting swinging non-stop...

Firstly, XY and YJ.

NF and TW watched in amusement...

TW is my 2nd best model.

Then I saw a hunk... wahahaha. Wow, so cool.

Next on the swing: KF.

And then, me...

who unknowingly kenna shot by her.

I don't know whether BT and NF are trying to help me by controlling the swing or trying to sabo me by swinging it harder. >.<
Wheeeeee~

Here's YJ looking so calm on the swing.

NF, our third man at 329...

likes to pose for the camera too.

BT looking fearful.


And there you go!

Hmm, he's indeed fearful of the swing?

Here's ah meng getting ready.

Looking calm and composed.

He tried performing an acrobatic stunt, and got KF super shocked.

Then his brother decided to be a monkey too.

Okay. Enough about swings. Here is the Tampines Wrapper Duo.

KF, my best model again. ALWAYS ready for my camera.

The weather was finally cooling at this point of time, but seemed like there was an impending storm leh.

Nonetheless we started nua-ing around and taking photos.

The "freestyle" pose.

The "prim and proper" pose.

Varied sleeping poses...

KF and YJ had difficulties reaching the water. :P

I like this photo!

Spot anything?

It's a small rainbow!

Guess who.

I changed the settings... and managed to take some nice sunset photos!

SEE-SAW!!!

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE A SEE-SAW!!! Hahaha.

Before washing up, we talked extensively about the Enneagram again. Never sick of that topic one leh. (NF looked really tired.)

The long-awaited moment: when everyone washed up. We played Office Scandal and were all very tired...

Sleepy SM.

Taupok-ing before we go to sleep. Notice the Tampines Wrapper Duo all wrapped up?

The female taupok-ing. I felt like I almost ran out of breath... but still managed to smile for the camera. This is professionalism! :P

Next morning, setting off. All ready for our breakfast at Changi Village!

TW and NF posing...

Breakfast was the so-called famous nasi lemak which was only average-tasting lah. Had some serious reflections over breakfast too, something that we all should always bear in mind!

On our way to Tampines MRT... taken by NF.

Goodbye Island of Granite Stones!

What will I be doing, this time next year?

Bread and butter #370 (Phase 2.)

这几天还蛮烦的。尤其是今天。

这种事我不常做，不喜欢，也不擅长。对我来说，是一个挑战。

但是，我很讨厌大多数人对它的看法。虽然（对我来说）可能会很困难，我还是一定要靠我自己的能力，把事情办好。不能被别人看贬！

加油吧！

More K-Pop!

소녀시대 Gee-뮤직비디오 (Girls' Generation)

I can remember this song pretty well, 'cos I remember Han Chang grooving to this song. Hahahaha. Very cute and funny.

Now let me hunt for the song that Justin sang to Grace at Myeong Dong subway. LOL! :P

Bread and butter #369 (Reggio Emilia Approach.)

The Hundred Languages

No way. The hundred is there.

The child
is made of one hundred.
The child has
a hundred languages
a hundred hands
a hundred thoughts
a hundred ways of thinking
of playing, of speaking.

A hundred always a hundred
ways of listening
of marveling, of loving
a hundred joys
for singing and understanding
a hundred worlds
to discover
a hundred worlds
to invent
a hundred worlds
to dream.

The child has
a hundred languages
(and a hundred hundred hundred more)
but they steal ninety-nine.
The school and the culture
separate the head from the body.
They tell the child:to think without hands
to do without head
to listen and not to speak
to understand without joy
to love and to marvel
only at Easter and at Christmas.

They tell the child:
to discover the world already there
and of the hundred
they steal ninety-nine.

They tell the child:
that work and play
reality and fantasy
science and imagination
sky and earth
reason and dream
are things
that do not belong together.

And thus they tell the child
that the hundred is not there.
The child says:
No way. The hundred is there.

-Loris Malaguzzi (translated by Lella Gandini) Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach

Found this poem while doing some research. Something for all of us to ponder about.

Your Birthday - 12 October

Lucky Color: Mustard
Personality Strengths: Compassion, Determination
Personality Weakness(es): Impatience
Successful Career Path: Academia
Sense of Humor Style: Slapstick
Adjectives to Describe You: Enterprising, Industrious

Description:A hip non-conformist who truly stands for his/her beliefs - you are out to make a difference in this world, and you have a realistic chance of success. You have always been self-driven and derive your inspiration from those close to you. Ambitious - and why shouldn't you be - the sky is the limit for you!

And I shall remember the last sentence, for as long as I can...

Bread and butter #368 (Lovingly Talented!)

My lovable boy is not only my hero at groupwork, he's talented in drumming and soccer... and he's a totally lovable boy. After his whole-day field trip today, he came over to our centre to practise his drumming. How not to love him? =)

Looking forward to journey through with the Lovables next year. How I wish PY could do it together with us...

Dear friend.

It's always nice to meet up with you... to catch up, to discuss about random stuffs, to build on each other's experiences. I'm quite similar with you actually, not sure if you noticed... on top of the similar experiences that we have.

Many times, when you mentioned about how glad you are for me, I'm so touched that I want to cry. I really treasure the support that you have for me... even though we are not super old friends, and even though we do not meet regularly.

I'm thankful that both of us are doing better than before... the tough times are almost over (i hope). Let's keep our heads high and keep going! Stay optimistic and take good care. We can both do this together.

Bread and butter #367 (Miraculously Sweet!)

I'm scared to be a musician man ! ahhhh !
dun be scared! i support u!
hahahaha !!! i knw u will always support me including my band , miss cindy ... thx !

The Korean Impact.

Ever since I had the lovely strawberry milk from Buy The Way at Myeong Dong (which is just outside our hotel!!!), I've been craving for strawberry milk from time to time! I never ever liked strawberry milk before lor!

And the only way I can help myself is to drink HL strawberry milk... I wanna fly back to Korea to continue my masks-shopping as well as sip Starbucks coffee and strawberry milk daily...

Bread and butter #366 (Soccer Clinic.)

Witnessing the boys mature over the years is one of the greatest fulfilment of my life.

I love all of you. No doubt about it. =)

P/S: Nobody can imagine the happiness I felt when SH smiled at me and took the initiative to shake my hand when I met him again. Two years have passed... from being rude to being respectful and willing to try. I so want to continue to see him around!

Bread and butter #365 (Laughter.)

I wanted very much to hear a joke or laugh.

Thank God for my two boys... for fooling around and making me laugh. One was pretending to speak with an invisible man while the other kept speaking Malay with me.

So tired... that laughter seemed to have become a luxury.

K-Pop!

2AM- I did wrong

Silly but sweet MTV, my favourite song this week. :P

2PM- Without U

I think 2PM can really dance quite well!

2PM- Heartbeat


Rain- Love Song

Although I think he's shaking way too much, his dance moves are fabulous!

Rain- Hip Song


SHINee-Ring Ding Dong

I can't believe I like SHINee's song. I thought it was only for young girls... o.o

The songs reminded me of the times at Korea, 'cos I keep hearing them everywhere I go.

But looks like I'm forever a sucker for boybands. :P

And my favourite Japanese boyband is forever V6! Hahahahahahaha...

括许有一天。

我们会在各自的生活里继续努力，追求各自的梦想。。。

括许有一天能够在彼此的生活里再增添多一些色彩。。。

我会期待那一天的到来。加油吧！

Back on track!

I'm finally back on the tracks after taking a 6 weeks break because of my injury. Managed to run my usual 4km, yay! Three possible reasons for experiencing no pain in my knee (double yay!):

1) My usual intake of Glucosamine is serving me well!
2) My new pair of shoes is serving me well! Zoot!
3) My 6 weeks break was good rest for my poor knee.

Yeah. So excited about jogging again. I must run well, so that SM won't laugh at me for dreaming of running a marathon. Ha! Stupid old SM. Bleah.

Bread and butter #364 (Mo Qi Closure.)

C...........................
Interesting and cool
Nightmares to some
Darlings to us
Younger and younger we become!

Teaching the wonderful students
Helping them to learn
Embrace them with politeness
Regardless of our tiredness
Every morning on Wednesday
Seven Thirty at the bus bay
Admirable commitment we display!

Maybe we won't see results this year
Even maybe not next year
Nevertheless if we persevere
Guarantee to have results after 4 years!!

Let's Jia You together!

Love SM's poem. Love my MQT. Love my students. Love the moments we had together.

We went through the last 4 years together with this class... Have observed a lot of positive changes and growth in each and everyone of them. It's been a pleasure to work with them and to grow together with them. No matter what, I hope all of them can tackle the challenges in life successfully and grow up well. Take good care of yourself, my dears.

As for my dearest MQT, thank you so much for the support for the past 4 years... our unforgettable moments at the fish noodles hawker (where SM sweared that he will do something), our breakfast sessions after our groupwork sessions during the first year of our work with this class, how we always try to coordinate the same colour code every week and how we manage to make meaning even when we wear different colours (mo qi in wearing 3 totally different colours), how SM always shower me and TW with fatherly actions (lovely ben and jerry's icecream!)... hahaha!

Mo Qi Team with allies NF, ST, YW and JY. MQT wore the same polo tee without coordination! MQT! KIA ORA! =D

Bread and butter #363 (Like a book.)

BT: Your meeting went well, right?
CK: Hahaha! How you know??
BT: If not, you will be sulking liao...
CK: Haa! That's because I'm like a book... you can read me easily.
BT: Er, NO, but some books are very hard to read leh.

LOL.

Seoul-searching Days.

I miss Myeong Dong, shopping for masks, nonsensical jokes, laughter, and strawberry milk!

Seoul-seaching.

I am in a really sweet cafe in Seoul, thanks to Justin's recommendation.

Very tired from all the walking and shopping.

By the way.

The masks in Korea are making me damn excited everytime I think of them.

Haha. Signing off! =)

In the process: Soul-searching and soul-loving.

Will be back on 11 May 2010.

Bread and butter #362 (Kenna accident.)

Choking right now...
Coughing it out...
Thrown off...

Keep trying?
I think I lost my way...
Need time to find the expressway...

No one can help me with this.

Alright. I'm sending myself to the garage.
For as long as I wish to...
Till then.

Bread and butter #361 (Hardened.)

In the process of wondering if he's hardened, I realised that it is just a self-protection kind of stance. At the back of his mind, he's probably yearning for something which is so near yet so far. There is nothing much to be done... but who doesn't wish for the better?

I know how that feels... my heart can't help but ache for him.

SPARGELS.

See what the lady is trying to sort out???

A closer look...

They are my lovely Spargels!!!

Caught this short clip about Spargels on Deutschewelle... the process of growing Spargels doesn't seem easy. I'm looking forward to May-June! :)

Ippudo KTV Saturday!!!

After a tumultuous Friday and Saturday, all I need is to destress and let it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had loads of fun KTV-ing with my Nua gang. JY gave me a stern warning to NOT upload the KTV photos... come on lah, can't even see faces... :P

Time practically flew when we were inside. I seriously think that we should have had more crazy fun!

Next up on our agenda: Ippudo!!!

The queue was damn long, but we queued for only 30 minutes. I think it's fast already if we compare it with Wild Honey...

All three of us ordered the same ramen- Shiromaru Classic with egg. I'm not good at describing food, but if you were to ask me how this bowl of ramen taste, I would say that it's great! The soup is super flavorful- FULL OF NICE PORK TASTE. Cabbage is however too little (Eliz and I counted- there were only three small slices) and it is weird to have ginger in the soup. As I was greedily eating away, I left the ginger slices there and towards the end, the soup tasted like ginger soup... which is definitely not the taste that I would look forward to when what I want is just tonkotsu soup. Nonetheless, noodles and egg were fabulous. Service was prompt too. 5 popcorns! :D

Complimentary sticky green tea icecream! Mental note to self: Go Ippudo with Elizabeth as she has OCBC card. Hahaha.

Outdoor movie area where we chatted and nua-ed. Looking at this picture reminds me of JY's question on the three men... Hahaha.

Cheers to a great Saturday! :)

Bread and butter #360 (Let's hit the expressway!)

Time to be brave and hit the EXPRESSWAY!!!

... with faith, positive attitude, active thinking and processing, and practice wisdom.

Bread and butter #359 (Could you tell me how?)

Nobody likes to be suspected. Nobody likes to be blamed.

I hate to be suspecting you... and I hate to be blaming you as well.

It really pains me to be thinking in such a way... I really can't help but to think so.

I really wish I can help. Could you tell me how?

Can someone please enlighten me......

P/S: So many things were happening just now, was only busy fire-fighting. Emotions only manage to come when I settle down in the silence of the night...

Bread and butter #358 (Tumultuous.)

I'm so glad I took 2 hours AM off. Today was tumultuous. :(

The usual jumping around...
Going crazy...
Instructions ignored...
Raising of voices...
Missing...
Calling...
Suspicious, though I really didn't wish to be so...
Disappointing...
Heartbroken...
Confusion...
Desperation...
Worries...
Waiting...
Supporting...
Crying...
Listening...
Reassuring...
Comforting...
Challenging...
Affirming...
"Anything sms"...

Only ate dinner with BT at 9plus. Damn tired by the end of the day, but I know I gotta reflect before I sleep as there are more things to be done tomorrow.

At the same time, I am getting more and more worried... so many walls around, how am I supposed to break the walls to get through???

Northern Italy Escape! I WANT TO GO!!!

Experience the fabulous Lake Garda region in all its splendour with this 8-day escape to the stunning pre-Alpine region of Northern Italy. Mountain landscapes, one of the largest lakes in Europe with its semi-Mediterranean climate, beaches and a myriad of outdoor activities from hiking and biking through the mountain scenery to relaxing by the crystalline waters and of course essential to any Italian adventure, delicious food and local wine just waiting to be sampled.

Tell me, how to resist...

Go! Go! Go!

Go! Go! Curry. Not too bad. :)

Julia was constantly looking at her iphone while WS was constantly dreaming away.

The shopaholic of the day had a major headache after shopping for the entire day...

Before we could even sit down, someone already decided to order the strawberry tartlet... =_=

I enjoy irritating SK. :D

And making her smile for the camera.

Cheers to the good old friendship... And, jiayou for everything! :)

Bread and butter #357 (3 men.)

Our first dinner outing with the 3 men (excluding PF's boyfriend)... and everytime something will happen to create hiccups for the date. Let's hope that the curse will be gone by our next dinner date!

XY, me, NF (our new member in the village), BT, SM, PF and boyfriend.

To satisfy their super big egos, ohhh, I feel so privileged to have 3 men in our village!!! *screams*

And lastly, presenting to you the 4 pretty and sweet girls in the village... hehe.

Bread and butter #356 (安慰...)

Things are getting a little messed up... and I am getting a little worried... but I am glad that there are still initiatives... Now I am just praying hard. I am sure BT is praying hard too. So glad that he is around to support the kids together with me.

Bread and butter #355 (You make my day.)

I saw a photo of my boy looking very smart in shirt and jeans, so I commented:
very smart looking, QH! :)
Ohhhh this is juz the sample u haven't seen it all ! Hahahahaha !
*cough cough*
I recommend u fisherman . Hahahahaha !

SO who usually doesn't talk much with me posted a comment on my wallpost asking how I am. And I'm really glad I replied 'cos he started to share more...

HT came forward to us today! I thought he was looking for BT... but he stayed to talk with me! I feel so warm and fuzzy, even up till now as I'm typing this out... He's one of the first few who made my days when I first started work. The very short chat was good enough for me to convey my concern for him... and for him to whine a little about the stressors in life. I'm so glad he talked with me... :)

Received a sms from WQ. I was a little worried, until I realised that he wanted to ask me something about his homework. -_- The exchange of smses got meaningful as I found out more about him... His responses are really cute, and I thought it was wonderful that he thought of me when he needed help.

All of you made me smile today. I will remember these, and work harder for all of you.

Bread and butter #354 (In a nutshell...)

1) I had a good meeting with a teacher. She's a GOOD teacher. I feel better too after the meeting.

2) I find it irritating when people act like they know best...

3) Gotta work harder... think harderrrrrrrrrr!!!

4) Feels embarrassing to have done something, but I'm going to pretend that I don't really care... hahaha, like what SM said, there's nothing I can do... so, do nothing!

5) Looking forward to the upcoming break and many many more!

Growing Wisdom #1 (Degree drop.)

I've worn my spectacles (yea, the blue and yellow one) for at least 5 years, been through my undergraduate days and my first two years of work... physical torture by one Terror, many sunshine, many tears as well as Kallang waters...

Finally decided to get myself a new pair of spectacles as I give up the idea of going for lasik just recently. I think some people will chid me for thinking like an old person (again), but I think I want to play safe. The lasik technology is relatively new, and there's no 100% guarantee that my eyes would be perfect after the surgery. I haven't done enough research yet, but I think the current information that I have is enough for me to give up. And then again, the idea of being able to take care of myself in the future...

I kind of comfort myself with MZ's viewpoint- that our spectacles can act as a accessory. Though I love earrings very much, I don't wear them everyday. (Combination of earrings and spectacles is a NO-NO for me.) Spectacles will be handy in making me look more "serious" at work too, haha, and that's on top of my already serious look at times.

Anyway, I tried many frames and I'm satisfied with none of them. I think the optician really assessed my preferences and finally found a frame that is just right for me. Yeah, I just have to take good care of this new pair so as to make the money spent worthwhile. :P

The optician gave my eyes a test and told me that my shortsightedness in my left eye has dropped by 25 degrees while my right eye... 50 degrees!!! That was a total shock 'cos I don't think I take good care of my eyes leh... how come there's a drop?!

So is this because I'm ageing already...??? T_T

Heartfelt.

I have many things that I wanna say... but I will hold back... until I find an appropriate and comfortable moment. Let's wait.

Bread and butter #353 (The Relationship Theory.)

Had a discussion with SM today, and realised that we were not taught on how to build relationship with our clients! Most of the time, it is emphasized that the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is vital in creating a positive impact... but how?

I'm still trying to figure out what is the best way for different clients. Afterall, different clients may have different needs, and may respond differently to different interventions.

The right fit... the skills we wanna impart... the protective factors that they've gained... how confident am I to say that it's the fit and not the inadequate equipping of skills that went wrong..?

Love will guide you home.

Theresa: Let's take a photo!

Theresa: But... my hands are very shaky!

Benson: You mean I have to hide from the camera?

Benson: Alright...

Bernard: Oh? Hide ah?? Okay!

Benson: Aiyah. Let me do it. My hands are longer (than Theresa's).

Finally, everyone's in.

***

P/S: What happens if love doesn't guide us home?

My legs are aching badly now... need to go elevate them again... Sigh.

Egypt.

Went for The Quest for Immortality with LJ and DL.

Quite interesting... and makes me wanna go Egypt for a tour!

It was a rainy day... but more importantly, the air-con is FINE today!!!

P/S: Really appreciate it when DL bought the drink for me knowing that my legs are injured. :)

Wild Honey with Nuas, a.k.a. the African Girls.

Waited for more than an hour for this- this better be good lor.

My yummy roasted almond latte with MZ's favourite (brown) sugar.

My Mexican breakfast.

JY and her English breakfast.

I SUPER LOVE THE SCRAMBLED EGGSSSSS!!!!!


Eliz with our Belgium breakfast... yummy waffles with grilled mango!!! Sweet and fluffy.

MZ paying full attention to her European breakfast. Poached eggs!!!

Very good!

I couldn't bring myself to take in any more carbohydrates. Hahaha.

Check them out @ http://www.wildhoney.com.sg/!

I will be back for the Scandinavian breakfast (which includes salmon and asparagus!), the raspberry drink and maybe a slice of cake! :P

Miss Chee, why got chicken curry stall liao never tell us?

Anyway, thereafter, JY and MZ went for their concert while Eliz and me went to cycle at ECP. I met some mean guys and a weird uncle... and fell down. :( Thank God I met a very nice uncle who asked a couple of times if I'm okay and (walked off and came back) reminded me to check if I've dropped anything... which I really did! I dropped my house keys... >.<

I think the time I spent cycling with both legs on the paddles this time round (i.e. third cycling session) is longer than that of my second cycling session, so hopefully I will get better day by day!

Bread and butter #352 (安全感。)

我也想像你这样，给别人安全感... 能够信任的感觉。

我知道自己还没到达那个境界，但我要尽全力成为一个好榜样。

努力吧! 括许有一天，我行呢？

Bread and butter #351 (Terrifically talented.)

Met some of the Terrors. They're doing good, and I'm so proud of them... so proud.

Miracles (Band) did well, albeit experiencing a little "stage-fright"... very proud of their courage too! It's not easy to be performing in front of an audience leh. I can totally understand!

I'm so proud of them. :)